Ephesians 5:26

The Bible compares our good works, laudable efforts, and superficial righteousness in a transparent analogy: “All of us have become like one who is unclean, and all our righteous acts are like filthy rags.” Isaiah 64:6.

The Hebrew word for “filthy rags” means a stained menstrual garment that was used in the Old Testament dispensation. Regardless of why God chose to use this as an illustration, the fact remains that our righteousness is as viable and utilitarian as this garment. Isaiah paints a poignant picture for our contemplation.

It is evident that the heart, mind, body and soul require spiritual cleansing. This heart transformation can only be experienced when two things occur: first, you and I must recognize that God desires us to be His dwelling place: “In whom you also are being built together for a dwelling place of God in the Spirit,” (Ephesians 2:22), and secondly we must be washed: “That He might sanctify and cleanse her with the washing of water by the word.” Ephesians 5:26.

Paul makes it clear that the Word of God is the cleansing agency the Holy Spirit uses to purify us by removing sins’ stain, filth, and putrefying odor from our lives. If we are not eating the Word every day, then how do we expect to be cleansed? Jesus is coming back for His church- the people of God- that is without spot or wrinkle. They will people of the Book.

Paul’s advice to Titus is apropos for us: “He saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit, whom he poured out on us generously through Jesus Christ our Savior.” Titus 3:5.

I can remember growing up and watching my maternal grandmother washing the dirty laundry. Because she didn’t own the “wringer” washing machine she had to revert to the “scrub board.” Maybe some of you will either recall the scrub boards, or at least the stories from a bygone age. My point is that we must ask the Holy Spirit to take our minds, senses, hearts, and bodies and scrub them with the Word of God and the Spirit of Prophecy.

I want to be made whole. My desire is to be clean and Jesus Himself has declared how that will happen. He said, “You are already clean because of the word I have spoken to you.” John 15:3. If perchance you need additional evidence, then consider one of Jesus’ names: “He is dressed in a robe dipped in blood, and his name is the Word of God.” Revelation 19:13.

Take the Word of God into your heart and be cleansed by the Spirit today.

Because of Him
Pastor Gary